Its such a vital aspect of Christianity that we are "servants" to one another. We all need each other to 'minister' life and encouragement to one another.
Ministry is not just about pulpits and great words and gifts, but the everyday concern for His Body and the availability to do the little things that can count so much.
It's the phone call when we think of someone; the prayer; the text message with some encouraging word. With the seemingly insignificant investments into the 'family' of God we can and will make such a significant difference to the environment of faith.
Someone said that if we spent more time encouraging one another we would have far less counseling in the church.
Its not the champions that make up the marathons, but all the 'normal' people who compete for the prize of just finishing. We do need the champions, but we need the 'field' to be made up as well. Jesus handed out 10, 5 and 1 talents. Many are envious of the 10 talented or 5 talented or many are feeling inferior to them, but Jesus did give 1 talents and we should be content and excited about it. The Body of Christ needs those 1 talented persons because they make up a channel for the Lord to bless His church that the 10 and 5 talented will never be able to.
This 'ministry' of encouragement and blessings is what Jesus meant with washing each others feet. Peter wanted all to be washed, Jesus said it was not necessary.
As we walk through this world we find we pick up contamination from the 'world' and find ourselves dirtied and needing washing. This is where each one of us comes in-wash one another's feet with those seemingly insignificant gestures of love and servant hood.
A total wash is not necessary because we are washed and cleansed in the blood of the Lamb who forgives and cleanses us from all our sin(s). What we do need here and now on this earth is someone to care and be used by the Lord to minister to me, walk with me through the difficulties and temptations and earthly things that could distress my walk in the Lord.
Jesus says as He did it to them so they should do it to one another. As they traveled their feet got dirty and needed washing. My focus here is not so much , do you have someone to wash? But rather, are we prepared to wash? Are you willing today to believe that the Lord wants to use you, not only after 10 courses and hands laid 50 times and the prophet prophesies, to minister encouragement to those around you in your church and community?
Did you wake up thinking about someone?
Did you suddenly 'see' someone's face before you?
Have you been feeling burdened for a brother or sister?
Do you feel a need to write a letter?
Do you feel a need to call and utter a simple prayer?
Do you sense an urge to invite someone to coffee after work? It could save their marriage.
It's never insignificant!
Wash someone's feet today, big or small, significant or not. Put on that servants garment and minister encouragement and see them be cleansed from earthiness.
Joh 13:4 So he rose from the table, took off his outer garment, and tied a towel around his waist.
Joh 13:5 Then he poured some water into a washbasin and began to wash the disciples' feet and dry them with the towel around his waist.
Joh 13:6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Are you going to wash my feet, Lord?"
Joh 13:7 Jesus answered him, "You do not understand now what I am doing, but you will understand later."
Joh 13:8 Peter declared, "Never at any time will you wash my feet!" "If I do not wash your feet," Jesus answered, "you will no longer be my disciple."
Joh 13:9 Simon Peter answered, "Lord, do not wash only my feet, then! Wash my hands and head, too!"
Joh 13:10 Jesus said, "Those who have taken a bath are completely clean and do not have to wash themselves, except for their feet. All of you are clean---all except one."
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